This spring, the IDRC Alumni Association surveyed its members on a few issues regarding the activities of the Association. Over 100 members responded to the survey, which represents more than 15% of the membership. Unsurprisingly, nearly 80% of the members live in Canada, with three quarters of those living in the Ottawa-Gatineau metropolitan area. See the Question 9 graph.
The level of interest in the Association is significant, with about 75% saying it was at 4 or 5 on a scale of 1 to 5 (Question 1 graph). The interest in the Association is overwhelmingly (>80 % of the respondents) for reconnecting with former colleagues. About half of the respondents believe the Association offers them the opportunity to meet socially and half (not necessarily the same people) are interested to keep up with IDRC (Question 2 graph).
Staying in touch is important for members but not necessarily too much. The majority wishes quarterly regular communications, and 26% would like those to be monthly. See Question 3 graph below.
Interest for various types of activities is revealing. The only activity that appeals to a majority of members is the annual general meeting. Next, in the 30 to low 40% range, are informal social gatherings, IDRC management presentations on the directions of the organization, webinars and presentations, panels, and roundtables on prevailing development research issues. See Question 4 graph.
Question 4 shows a desire for hybrid events slighter greater than for in-person only events. That aspect was further probed in Question 5, which shows more opposition to online events than favourable opinions. About one-third of the respondents did not commit to either way, see Question 5 graph.
Only 15% of respondents said that they were very interested in serving on the Alumni board. In raw numbers that corresponds to the number of persons currently on the board, The interesting part is that there are more than 10 other members who said they were somewhat interested in serving on the board. That seems to assure that modest turnover is possible, which is going along the lines the board is currently thinking about: introducing terms and a rotation amongst the officers. See Question 6 graph.
Up to 24% of respondents indicated that they were willing to volunteer their time and talent for Association business. The survey does not indicate, however, how much of an overlap there is between the various activities included in Question 7. In other words, is it the same people interested in everything? See Question 7 graph.
Finally, over 85% of respondents say that the Bulletin is the best means of staying connected to the Association and to former colleagues. Exactly 50% of respondents also see the website as the most important tool at their disposal, while social media, namely Facebook and LinkedIn, are not as popular amongst most alumni. See Question 8 graph.
Our thanks to all who participated in this survey. The board will continue to refer to your feedback as we move forward with our various activities and communications.
Bulletin 77
July 2025